Serving the El Sobrante Business Community Since 1957 The El

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Serving the El Sobrante Business Community Since 1957
About Town
The El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter
June 2016
President’s Message
Summer is fast approaching and your Chamber is keeping pace with the needs of our
business community. We are sponsoring our second Business Breakfast get together
which is being held on June 15th, focusing on Web Marketing and Social Media
Strategies to help you market your business using the best practices in today’s
competitive environment. We encourage our in-home businesses and residents to
benefit from these topics, as well. A flier is included in this issue.
A “new look” is in store for your Chamber Office within the next two months! Look
for the “Open” sign on our door – yes, we are planning to be “open for business” at our
Chamber Office a few days a week. To make this happen, we need volunteers. There
will be an orientation for all volunteers. We are asking for a minimum of 2 hours a
month, or more often if your schedule allows. Your Chamber Office will also serve as
the Stroll headquarters. If you are interested, please contact me at the email address
listed below or call the Chamber Office at: 510-223-0757.
Mark your calendars – See you at the June 8th Mixer hosted by Mike/Renee Rowland,
owners of Windermere Rowland Realty. A flier is included in this issue. Also, thanks to
Mark & Katrina Croda, owners of El Sobrante Town Garage, for hosting our May Mixer –
a winning combination of great food, fun and friends made for an enjoyable evening.
If you see the “Green Team, volunteers wearing fluorescent green vests, on any given
Saturday keeping our busy downtown clean, please honk or wave, to let them
know you care.
I want to thank all who participated in our May lst” Fun”raiser – vendors, musicians,
Chamber Board and members, volunteers, a special “Thank You” to the Mechanics
Bank for the use of their grounds, and to those attended.
FLY YOUR FLAGS DURING THE MONTH OF JULY!
Marie Carayanis
mariecoces@yahoo.com
2016 Chamber of Commerce Officers & Directors
President: Marie Carayanis – Resident, Former Business Owner
1st Vice- President: Scott Tuffnell -- Realtor, Windermere Rowland Realty
2nd Vice-President: Barbara Pendergrass -- Resident, Member Municipal Advisory Council
Treasurer: Bob Davis -- Investment Advisor, Davis Investment Group
Secretary: Beverly Wallace - Resident
Directors:
Richard Oliver, Ace Hardware
Maurice Abraham, Resident
Steve Rulli, Resident
Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance
Bob Sharp, Independent Real Estate
Mark Croda, El Sobrante Town Garage
Agent
Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage
Shirley Sharp, Independent Broker
Lending
Anne Skeffington, Caldwell Bankers
Eduardo Guzman, Los Cerros Mexican
Richard Smith, Allstate Insurance
Restaurant
Judy Ward, SPAWNERS
Martha Booz, Newsletter Editor and Website Publisher, mlbooz@calnatives.com
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE, 2016
The June Business of the Month is the Hillview Center. The Center is located at
3817 - 3833 San Pablo Dam Road. The Center is owned by Choon Sung Yoo and
Michael K Yoo of Berkeley.
The center has 8 suites, but only are currently 7 occupied.
3817 tenant is Paramba, an Indian grocery, phone (510)223-6559
3819 tenant is Martindale Cleaners & Alterations, phone (510)222-7830
3823
3825
3827
3829
3831
3833
tenant is M.E. Delivery & Dispensary, phone (510)758-3269
unoccupied at present
tenant is Nails, phone (510)758-9025
tenant is Shoe Repair, (510)222-8879
tenant is Fancy Paws, (510)223-0600
tenant is Koin Korner, (510)223-4567
The parking lot was re-surfaced and re-striped. It looks great. Congratulations
and thank you, Choon Sung and Michael.
SPAWNERS EVENTS
SPAWNERS Summer Nature Walks start June 7! Bob Flasher will tell us about
creek scouring and its effect on creek life as we walk along Old San Pablo Trail.
RSVP to helen@thewatershedproject.org.
Date: Tuesday June 7, 5:30-7:30pm
Directions: Turn north off of San Pablo Dam Road onto Bear Creek Road, and the
trail is on your immediate left. Park in the small gravel parking lot; space is limited,
so please carpool if possible.
SPAWNERS Community Work Parties have moved to 3rd Saturdays! Join us
on June 18 to tackle ivy at MacArthur Community Baptist Church in San Pablo.
Date: Saturday June 18, 9:30am-noon
Location: MacArthur Community Baptist Church, 2301 Rumrill Blvd, San Pablo, CA
94806
People with all levels of experience are welcome. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable work
clothes, and bring a water bottle. SPAWNERS will provide tools, gloves, and
snacks. For more information please visit www.spawners.org or contact
Helen at helen@thewatershedproject.org or 510-665-3538.
Note: Everyone reading this Newsletter is invited to the
Chamber of Commerce Mixer! Please Come!
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MIXER DATES
Monthly Mixers are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND MINGLE
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Windermere Realty
Farmers Insurance, Jim Cowen
Boys and Girls Club/Nerd Crossing
NO MIXER (STROLL)
State Farm Insurance, Sonny Randhawa
Elks Lodge
Mechanics Bank
The Chamber of Commerce says “Thank You!” to Mark Croda of the
Town Garage, and Kelly Heath of The Pool Doctor for hosting the May
Mixer. The food was delicious, and Mark had two classic cars on display!
BEAUTIFICATION TIP For June, 2016
We’re still amazed at how quickly our new downtown street trees are growing. They have
clearly made a difference and in a few short years will be above the storefronts. This will
certainly be welcomed by merchants concerned that the trees block their store from view. And
for customers and others walking the downtown, the trees will provide a shady respite from
the summer sun. Yes, downtown is definitely looking up. But, more can be done by property
and business owners. Go back through the previously published Beautification ‘Tips’ to see
what you can do.
This month’s tip entitled “WORKING WITH THE ARCHITECTURE” discusses how painting
specific elements of a building can highlight its architectural character. We’ve had some recent
examples where a costly new paint job ignored the building’s basic design elements…a lost
opportunity. Those buildings do look better than before, but they could have looked even
better. So, if you’re planning to paint or perhaps do other exterior upgrades, let’s talk (see
contact information below). We could have ideas that might even save you money.
This month’s tip is the last of twelve aimed at El Sobrante’s downtown business district. If
you’ve missed previous ‘tips’, you can download and print a copy of the entire Beautification
Tips document for future reference. All twelve Beautification ‘Tips’ are available on the
Chamber website at http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com/Menu.html
While the Beautification Tips focus on the downtown business district, they apply equally to
ALL El Sobrante businesses. They’re intended to help every business as well as the business
district as a whole. The Chamber of Commerce Board encourages every business and property
owner to take steps to continue the improvement of El Sobrante’s business districts.
Topics being covered in this series are:
1. TRASH & DEBRIS REMOVAL
2. TRASH BINS, SHIPPING CONTAINERS & DONATION RECEPTACLES
3. GRAFFITI REMOVAL
4. THE WINDOW TO YOUR BUSINESS
5. BANNERS ARE BANNED
6. BUILDING SIGNS
7. SECURITY BARS & DOORS
8. ABOUT THOSE DETAILS
9. PAINT – AN IMAGE BOOSTER
10. ADD A TOUCH OF NATURE
11. THE PARKING LOT
12. WORKING WITH THE ARCHITECTURE
The beautification tips begin with the simplest, and progress to those involving greater
expenditures. This approach is designed to facilitate planning and budgeting for the more
costly ones.
The Chamber’s Beautification Committee Chair, Maurice Abraham, will meet and consult with
any business or property owner about applying the tips to their specific conditions. He can be
contacted at 510 243-6652 (home), 408 921-9176 (mobile) or mpabraham@aol.com. to
arrange a meeting.
TIP NO. 12 – WORKING WITH THE ARCHITECTURE
Most of El Sobrante’s commercial buildings were constructed during a ten-year period of rapid
growth from the mid-50s through the mid-60s. The architecture of many El Sobrante
commercial buildings, even the simplest ones, generally reflects the styles of that era. Flat
roofs, broad canopy-like overhangs, simple geometric form and large glass areas are common
characteristics.
These characteristics are taken from the mid-century modern style that today is being
passionately preserved in some communities. El Sobrante’s downtown is fortunate to have a
few decent examples of mid-century modern. Some have been ‘adorned’ with false-work,
paint schemes and even graphics that mask the original building, actions that do more to spoil
its appearance than enhance it.
Bold graphics detract from this building’s
Architecture, and do little to attract
customers.
Mowery’s El Sobrante Richfield…
On this building, paint highlights
architectural details and provide an
Understated yet inviting look.
…Oh, the possibilities!! (Photo location: Ely, NV)
ACTIONS:



Look for opportunities to restore the original character of your building.
Once trendy things such as mansard-style roof facades and decorative exterior false work can be easily
removed to expose a simple original design.
Look for opportunities to enhance the buildings architecture with paint that provides contrast between
strong defining design elements. Elements such as exposed structural features and geometric masses of
stucco, brick, stone or concrete block all pose opportunities to bring out that character.
contact Dick McCloskey 510 734-1575
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOARD MEETINGS—Visitors Welcome
Board Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month
(except this year for July, which is July 4 th)
at the Sheriff’s Annex / Chamber Office, 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road
Parking next door - Kaliente’s lot.
5:00 pm
January 4
May 2
September 5
February 1
June 6
October 3
March 1
July 11
November 7
April 4
August 1
December 5
Monthly Community Meetings
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
Meets 1st Monday of the Month @ 5:00 pm
Sherrif's Annex / Chamber Office ---- 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante
http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com
Marie: 510-387-0581 / mariecofces@yahoo.com / Office: 510-223-0757
Supervisor John Gioia Code Enforecment Meeting
Meets 1st Wednesday of every OTHER Month @ 2:00 pm
Office of Supervisor Gioia / 11780 San Pablo Ave, Suite D , El Cerrito
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5216/District-I-Supervisor-John-M-Gioia
El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council (MAC)
Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 7:00 pm
El Sobrante Library – Meeting Room / 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/1640/El-Sobrante-Municipal-Advisory-Council
El Sobrante Planning and Zoning (P&Z)
Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month @ 6:00 pm
El Sobrante Library – Meeting Room / 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante
SPAWNERS (San Pablo Watershed Neighbors Education & Restoration Society)
Volunteer Workday 3rd Saturday of the Month @ El Sobrante Library or De Anza outdoor
classroom at Wilkie Creek Wilkie Creek site, De Anza Dr. and Santa Rita Rd.
Water Bug Team meets 4th Sat of the Month. See website for more info: spawners.org
For information contact helen@thewatershedproject.org
Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante (C4AGES)
Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month @ 7:00 pm
El Sobrante Library – Meeting Room / 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante
http://www.greenelsobrante.org
June Community Meetings
Fri, Sat June 3,4
4-6 and 1-3 pm
Tues, June 7
5:30 – 7:30
Wed, June 8,
7 – 9 pm
Thurs, June 9
6 – 8 pm
Wed, June 15
7:30 – 9:00 am
Wed, June 15
7 pm
Sat, June 18
Alll day
Friends of the
Library Book Sale
SPAWNERS
Nature Walk #1
Municipal
Advisory Council
Planning-Zoning
Advisory Council
Chamber
Breakfast
C4AGES Monthly
Meeting
DU-TOES
Diathlon,
Triathlon
Sat, June 18
9:30 – 12
SPAWNERS
Community Work
Party
Book House
Old San Pablo
Trail in Orinda
Library Meeting
Room,
Library Meeting
Room
Elks Lodge, San
Pablo Dam Rd
Library Meeting
Room
San Pablo
Reservoir, 7301
San Pablo Dam
Rd
MacArthur
Community
Baptist Church,
Behind the Library off Appian
Way
Search on ‘old san pablo
trail’ in Google Maps
George Cleveland, President
gdc82366@yahoo.com
Library Meeting Room back
of the Library off Appian Way
Marketing Strategies to make
your business a success!
Help make El Sobrante Green
Benefit for Boys and Girls
Club. See calendar entry on
Chamber web site events,
elsobrantecachamber.org
2301 Rumrill Blvd, San Pablo
Help us tackle ivy removal at
this local church.
J & A Market
Liquor Wine Beer Spirits & Grocery
5325 Valley View Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803
Phone: 510-222-1811
Fax: 510-758-5600
Ranjeet B. Prasad
Cell: 510-778-4025
Email: ranjeetb.prasad@gmail.com
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
23rd ANNUAL
EL SOBRANTE STROLL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
PARADE 11:00 AM
STROLL TO 4:00 PM
Your Name: _________________________________________________________________
Business Name: ______________________________________________________________
Type of Business: ____________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________Fax: ___________________E-Mail: _______________________
Participating in Parade: Yes_____ No _____
Booth Specifications: MAXIMUM SPACE SIZE IS 12’ X 12’
Product or service you will be offering: ___________________________________________
Using: Tent/Canopy _____
Table Only _____ Other ______________________________
(Please specify)
FEES (Include Booth Space and One T-Shirt)
Non-Profit Organization ( schools, churches, etc.) ________________________ $ 85.00
Crafter____________________________________________________________ 100.00
Business __________________________________________________________
135.00
Dam Road Business – (See Page 2)_____________________________________ 100.00
Food Booth ________________________________________________________ 135.00
Food Booth Applications must be returned by AUGUST 1ST. (See Page 2).
Bands, Demonstrations & Entertainment must have prior approval. No Fee.
One Free T-Shirt (included with booth fee):
Mens Sizes: MED ___ L ___ XL ___ XXL ___ XXXL ___
Ladies Sizes: MED ___ L ____
Additional T-Shirts $7.00 ea.
Mens Sizes: MED ____ L ___ XL ___ XXL ___ XXXL ___
Ladies Sizes: MED ____ L ___
Total additional T-Shirts: # ____ x $7.00
Total amount enclosed:
Make check payable to El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce.
Mail to: Marie Carayanis, 4460 Fieldcrest Drive, El Sobrante, 94803
The event rain or shine ---NO REFUNDS.
For information call: Marie (510 387-0581 e-mail: mariecofces@yahoo.com
Chamber Office (510) 223-0757 or Dina (510) 222-6001.
$ _________
BOOTH CATEGORIES
Non-Profit Organizations – Any organization which can provide proof of non-profit
status
with this application. If selling food or beverages see Food Booth description
below.
Crafters – Home made products only – non food. Original hand-crafted work in any
media by the artist who is present.
Business – licensed business, resale manufactured products.
Dam Road Businesses – REMINDER – If you do not send in an application and fee,
the Stroll Committee will place another booth in front of your store on the street. All
sidewalks must remain clear per Contra Costa County requirements. A SPECIAL RATE
OF $100.00 FOR BUSINESSES ON THE DAM ROAD.
Food Booth – Commercial or non-profit groups selling or sampling foods/beverages
prepared
on or off-site for immediate or later consumption. Must comply with County Health
Department requirements and pay licensing fee of $118.00 additional. Make check
payable to the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
PARADE NOTES
Line up – Parade begins at 11:00 am. Line up starts at 10:00 am at the Walgreens
parking Lot, but location may be subject to change. The parade line begins at the
drive thru pharmacy and goes behind the building.
Parking The Walgreens parking lot is NOT for parade participant parking.
Walgreens is still open for business, and any parking should be SHORT TERM. We
appreciate Walgreensfor letting us use their lot, Usually public parking is available at
the Masonic Lodge lot and a Stroll Shuttle will be available.
Stroll Application Page 2
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
Membership Application
Business Name _____________________________Date______________________
Representative _______________________________________________________
Resident’s Name or Web Site Address _____________________________ _______
Address_____________________________________________________________
City/Town ________________ Zip __________ Fax (____)______-___________
Phone (_____)_______-________ Other Phone (____)______-_________
Email Address ____________________@________________ PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
New Membership
Renewal
Do you wish your name/business to be in the Monthly Newsletter?
Would you like to serve on a committee?
Would you like to include an advertisement in our Newsletter?
Business Card Ad
1/4 page Ad
½ Page Ad
Full Page Ad
*********************
$40 per issue
$55 per issue
$70 per issue
Art Included
YES
YES
YES
$ 70.00 (1 year)
$135.00 (1 year)
$185.00 (1 year))
$235.00 (1 year)
Art to be sent
Membership Dues:
Business
Business (over 10 employees)
In-Home Business
Non-Profit Organization
Resident
$90
$115
$80
$80
$40
TotalAmount Enclosed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ____________
COMPLETE FORM AND RETURN WITH CHECK TO:
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
3769-B San Pablo Dam Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803
NO
NO
NO
2016 El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Members
**Abe Otter Locksmith**
AC Transit
**Allstate Insurance
Company**
**Ameriprise Financial
Services**
Appian Express Mart &
Gasoline
Beadiful Beads by Bobbie
**Bill’s Underground**
Boys & Girls Club of El
Sobrante
**Canyon Swim School**
Chapel of the Mission Bells
Tammy Mullen
Julie Waters
Richard Smith
**Planchon Roofing**
The Peddler
Olivers Ace Hardware
Doug Planchon
Jeff Jerge
Richard Oliver
Mark A. Porter
**The Pool Doctor**
Kelly Heath
Ashok Attri
Rancho Sports Bar
Bobbie Squellati
Bill & Donna Schupp
Sue Rulli
Ray’s Cars
Republic Services
Richmond Elks Lodge
Richard Oliver, Adam
Oliver
Ray Fahid
Bielle Moore
Linda Pitts
Fred Brown
Larry Cyr
Cloverfield Organic Farm
Coldwell Banker Bartels
Susan Abernathy
Anne Skeffington
**Creek View**
**Davis Investment
Group**
EBMUD
Michelle Hatch
Robert Davis
**Rixen Chiropractic**
**Rotary Club of El
Sobrante**
Round Table Pizza
**Security Public
Storage**
Signs by Scott
**SPAWNERS**
**El Sobrante Town
Garage**
**El Sobrante United
Methodist Church**
El Sobrante Wheel & Brake
Envoy Mortgage
Guardian Adult Day Health
center
Independent Real Estate
Mark & Katrina Croda
**J & A Market**
JBM Construction
Jeha’s Pharmacy, Inc.
**Jim Cowen Insurance**
Kool Cuts
Lakeridge Athletic Club
Los Cerros Mexican
Restaurant
Lucy’s Coin & Jewelry Pawn
Lynden & Company
Michael Pejza Insurance
Mike’s Appliances
**Mechanics Bank**
Morgan Properties
**On-Site Health Care
Services**
Sharla Sullivan
Mark Zier
Lyle Miller
Evelyn Freitas
Peter Behr
Shirley and Bob
Sharp
Ranjeet B. Prasad
John Mora
Dave Jeha
Jim Cowen
Branda Medrano
Bruce Thomas
Eduardo Guzman
Adam Gross
Thomas Lynden
Michael Pejza
Mike Murphy
Michael Frith
Aubrey Morgan
Leesa Latimer
**US Financial
Mortgage Lending**
**Wadsworth Glass*
Dr. Daniel Rixen
Randy Stevenson
Greg Merritt
Christina Martinez
Scott Erwin
Helen Dickson & Judy
Ward
Nicole Donn
Veronica Jerge
West County
Wastewater District
West County Reads
**Wilson & Kratzer**
**Windermere Rowland
Realty**
**Windermere Rowland
Realty**
Z Realty Investments
Marla Sena
Maurice Abraham
Arnold E. Bolton
Marie & Nick Carayanis
John S. Koepke
Susan & Dick McCloskey
Resident
Resident
Residents
Resident
Residents
Barbara Pendergrass
Steve & Sue Rulli
Dennis & Sally
Teeguarden
Beverly Wallace
Ruth Williams Rockey
Resident
Residents
Residents
**Ad Sponsors**
Robin Wilson
Kim Welch
Mike & Renee Rowland
Scott Tuffnell
Mike Zeelen
Resident
Resident
El Sobrante Guide to Shopping, Dining & Services
Sponsors
The following firms and people supported our Guide to Shopping, Dining
and Service in El Sobrante:
Dr. Dan Rixen,
Jim Cowen,
Mark Anthony Porter,
Bob Davis,
Scott Tuffnell,
Park Pharmacy
The Guide is available on our web site. Check it out! The link is:
http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com/BOM.html
Green Team Update
Anyone interested in joining the GREEN TEAM efforts keeping downtown El Sobrante
cleaned up is encouraged to contact Maurice Abraham at 510 243-6652 or via email at
mpabraham@aol.com. Maurice is always glad to have more volunteers!
Dates of the Book Sales Held Monthly by the
Friends of the El Sobrante Library
The Friends of the Library Book Sales are held on the first Friday and Saturday of each month.
On Friday the member’s sale is from 4 – 6 pm, with inexpensive memberships available at the
door, and on Saturday the sale is from 1 – 3 pm. The dates for the rest of 2016 are:
June 3, 4
July 1, 2
August 5, 6
September 2, 3
October 7, 8
November 4, 5
December 2, 3
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
About Town Newsletter
June 2016
Thank you for renewing your membership,
and Thank You to all the NEW members too.
THE EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ElSobranteCaChamber.com
3769 – B San Pablo Dam Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803
Office: 510-223-0757